Prosecutors have dismissed 34 of Joseph Martin's 150 molestation counts on the eve of closing arguments Monday in the trial involving the former Concord elementary schoolteacher.

Martin, 46, of Martinez, is accused of molesting 14 male former students and his month-plus-long trial is nearing completion.

The prosecution has alleged he fondled boys' bare chests and brushed the groins of some victims. Martin's defense attorney has argued students only made accusations following hysteria created by rumors spread by parents, teachers, students and the Internet.

Prosecutor Derek Butts said he dismissed the 34 molestation counts involving two victims, John Does 4 and 14. Those two boys had the most counts, 20 and 25, respectively, of all 14 victims. Butts dropped those counts to six and five, respectively.